Batman (2025-) #3

Batman (2025) (Single Issues)

by Matt Fraction, Jorge Jiménez (Artist)

Vandal Savage makes his move against Batman and Robin, Bruce Wayne tries to make amends, and the Riddler makes his play for arguably the most important item in all of Gotham. Fraction and Jiménez take things to a whole new level as their thrilling new run on Batman continues!

Genres: Comics, Batman, Dc Comics, Comic Book, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Graphic Novels

30 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2025

About the author

"How he got started in comics: In 1983, when Fraction was 7 years old and growing up in Kansas City, Mo., he became fascinated by the U.S. invasion of Grenada and created his own newspaper to explain the event. "I've always been story-driven, telling stories with pictures and words," he said.

Education and first job: Fraction never graduated from college. He stopped half a semester short of an art degree at Kansas City Art Institute in Missouri in 1998 to take a job as a Web designer and managing editor of a magazine about Internet culture.

"My mother was not happy about that," he said.

But that gig led Fraction and his co-workers to split off and launch MK12, a boutique graphic design and production firm in Kansas City that created the opening credits for the James Bond film "Quantum of Solace."

Big break: While writing and directing live-action shoots at MK12, Fraction spent his spare time writing comics and pitching his books each year to publishers at Comic-Con. Two books sold: "The Last of the Independents," published in 2003 by AiT/Planet Lar, and "Casanova," published in 2006 by Image Comics.

Fraction traveled extensively on commercial shoots. Then his wife got pregnant. So Fraction did what any rational man in his position would do -- he quit his job at MK12 to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time comic book writer.

Say what? "It was terrifying," said Fraction, who now lives in Portland, Ore. "I was married. We had a house. We had a baby coming. And I just quit my job."

Marvel hired Fraction in June 2006, thanks largely to the success of his other two comics. "I got very lucky," he half-joked. "If it hadn't worked out, I would have had to move back in with my parents.

- 2009. Alex Pham. Los Angeles Times.

Reviews

[Machiavelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Batman (2025) #3 — continuing to enjoy Matt Fraction’s sharp, deliberate pacing paired with Jorge Jiménez’s stunning, kinetic art. This issue has some real fun with the Riddler, mixing tension and wit in a way that feels fresh for Gotham. Fraction keeps it clever without going over the top, and Jiménez’s visuals make it pop. Another strong chapter in what’s shaping up to be a great run.

[Jadyn❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Telling a cool and interesting Batman story is good, but the lack of awareness about the lives of both of the Robins in this story means it’s not good enough to me.
I really like the opening of this story following the kid Huston and what he uncovers while filming for his school project. Vandal Savage having this kind of power is too interesting not to explore. The page layout for this scene was very creative. The scene transitions are smooth and it’s fast-paced, so there’s always something new and exciting happening.
My big issue is with the Tim scene, and the Damian scene. Starting with Tim, I could’ve sworn Bernard finds out Tim is Robin at the end of Tim Drake: Robin? (Don’t anyone dare come at me about how “nobody read that”— just because it wasn’t to your tastes doesn’t mean it didn’t happen). That makes this regression in the depiction of Tim’s relationship.
Moving on to Damian. It’s been well established that Damian is an artist (going all the way back to Batman & Robin 2011, and as recently as the current Batman & Robin run) and in recent years he’s become a big manga reader as well (in Robin 2021). He absolutely would recognize and not scoff at the value of the arts. Ignoring the specific options Bruce is asking Damian to consider for a second, Damian values his education as a whole as well, and recent events over in Batman & Robin show that he would be open to continuing his education. That entire series thus far under both writers has been about establishing a life for Damian outside of the Robin mantle, and the relationship between Bruce and Damian as father and son. Tim and especially Damian have progressed so much independently of Batman, and I think it’s a fair ask to expect a little consistency from DC on this front.
To close out my compliment sandwich, I like the extent of Bruce’s life we’re exploring within this issue— he’s got time to be a father, a company head, and Batman without it all feeling rushed. I like that the investigation into Dr. Zeller’s work spills out of his Batman life and into his life as Bruce. I also like to see both Jim Gordon and Harvey Bullock in the midst of things! There’s a lot happening here, but it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

[dusty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of this run, and I honestly can’t wait to see where the story goes next. First off—because it deserves repeating—Jorge Jiménez’s art is exceptional. It pulls you straight into the world, and even the small things, like the vibrancy of the colors, make a massive difference. It just hits.

Matt’s story has really hooked me, too. That opening panel with the old woman saying you “don’t say his name” unless you truly need him (talking about Batman) was such a powerful way to start. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the whole Vandal Savage storyline, but I’m surprisingly into it. I can easily see things with Commissioner Savage exploding in the next few issues, leading to something big.

What I love most, though, is the emotion running through this series. Issue #1 gave us that unexpectedly moving moment between Bruce and Killer Croc. And now this issue dives into The Riddler essentially trying to “fix” his own mind so he won’t obsess over riddles anymore. That felt genuinely profound—and a perspective on Riddler I’d never really considered before.

This run is very quickly becoming one of my favorite takes on Batman. Everything just feels right—from the way his duality with Bruce is handled, to the colors on his suit, to how he interacts with Tim and Damian. I’m all in. Can’t wait for more.

[Daniel Clausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great issue!

[Murphy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this Batman!

[Mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mid at best, and I will never care about Bernard.

[Hannah Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5/5

[Craig Schorling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of strong character moments in this one. Riddler trying to fight Batman made me laugh out loud. The story flows from Wayne's relationship with Tim to figuring out what is up with Dr. Zeller. This series is clicking for me and I want more.

[mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

bernard stood on business

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. I liked it.

[Garth · Rating 2 out of 5]

2026 - 365 Days of Whatever Is On My Comic Book TBR
Day 66

Well, I was going to try and catch up on this title but two issues in two days was two too many. I’ll come back to it later.

[Jessica Maggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

And here is why I started reading this comic in the first place

This issue dropped and I saw this


and I saw this


and I was like... damn
gotta get on that

no regerts

[Bryan Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue suit Batman my beloved

[Saket · Rating 4 out of 5]

Same as last time, I like where this is going. Gotham City feels so lived in. Jorge Jimenez’s art excels at world building and creating grounded environments. It’s not just a road, it’s a junction with detailed lights and crossings and more. It’s not just a terrace, it’s a lived in rooftop with a chiller and an air handling unit and so forth on top. This attention to detailing with the background is evocative of Bruce Timm’s style of Gotham City, a style worth emulating either in theory or physicality.

Central narrative keeps going as it is, Matt Fraction is setting his themes about redemption and change well. Not sure I’m a fan of the Robins’ writing in this issue. Damian is written like a bit of a brat again (King’s run didn’t happen that long ago, Damian has matured since) and Tim’s aftermath from the police fiasco simply isn’t explored. Holes so far where I don’t want to see any.

But as usual, this is good work. Looking forward to #4!

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm still enjoying this, and like moments in it, but also feel it lacks the drive I want in a Batman story. Also was hoping for more one shot/episodic feel to it. A 3 out of 5.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Cybernex007 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright, are we ever going to address the Alfred in the room? LOL, regardless of Bruce not addressing the mental issues that come with continually talking to Alfred, this was a great issue. Things are looking a little bright in the Vandal using the dead cops from last issue to plant evidence and pin it on batman angle, a young boy named Houston who happened to be filming a school project with someone taking about how the city has changed, happened to be in the apartment building above the shooting. He saw batman leave but he also saw Vandal plant evidence and actually recorded the entire thing, which is so perfect and by the end of the issue he is getting in contact with a newspaper man named Jack Dean to break the story. But as things get brighter in some areas they must get dimmer elsewhere. Tim was brought to the hospital for his injuries last issue with the excuse of a ski accident, and I am just now realizing (as I haven’t read him in anything else) that this very childlike looking Bernard (I love this art but it does no Justice for his age, lol) doesn’t know Tim is Robin. That’s rare in this line of work, and as such isn’t a fan of Bruce and the fact that Tim gets hurt every time they go off together, lol. While in the airing room Bruce happened to catch an interview debate stage between Dr Hugo Strange and the doctor over at Arkham Dr Zeller. Now I am fairly certain Dr Zeller catches Bruce’s eye for more than her intelligence, but some of his grants are actually helping to fund the therapeutic device she calls the crown of storms that she is arguing for, apparently it helps to regulate electrical activity in the brain, which I will be remise in saying sounds like shock treatment to help the mentally insane which have apparently already moved to human trials. Additionally Bruce has started to talk to Damian about going to college and expanding his outlook on life, and a swift kick to the balls during training shows Bruce how much Damian thinks of that.

When Bruce met with his board later that day he promptly put down a proposal to dip their toes into the military sector, instead probing into Zeller’s grant and possibly seeing the viability of it even if it doesn’t make a “profit” in their neck of the woods. Elsewhere, we may know that there will be a huge break in Vandal’s case against batman but that hasn’t broken yet and Gordon is getting worried so he calls up Harvey to contact batman with their new low-key bat signal…a small pin up of a plush bat in Harvey’s “Bullock Investigations” window, lol. Batman in his blue capes glory met with Gordon and Bullock on Bullock’s roof that night where Gordon could give him the bad news on what the mercenary squad is planning against him. “Everything old is new again…” After giving Bullock and Gordon the old disappearing truck by distracting them with a woman who was almost hit by one of the mercenary trucks on the street below them, we see that Bruce isn’t the only one interested in Zeller’s new device. Of course anything that gets into someone’s mind will eventually catch the eye of Edward Nygma. I find it so funny that this story completely ignores anything from H2SH, and only mentions Nygmatech from the Zdarsky storyline, lol. Nygma broke inside the Wayne experimental sciences building belting one of the prototypes but right as Nygma got to it, he got the special bones of a punch in the face from a cloaked suit batman waiting for him. Hahaha. But here's the really odd thing, as Nygma was breaking in and fighting batman, to at least trying and failing to fight batman, all of his riddles were weak. Batman solved them easier than the daily crossword puzzle and Nygma basically gave up. He even handed batman a slip of paper with all the riddles that were super weak and apparently took him hours, he’s a broken man looking for a reprieve. Batman is able to use a sedative to get him into the Batmobile then drive him over to Arkham. But what the riddler could be trying to tell them is that Dr Zeller has been using her new device on the patients of Arkham, even if all the patients there are insane…that’s not cool and probably illegal. Ruh roh.

[M A B S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: Grapa, Publisher: Panini México, Translator: Joce Alberto Rodríguez

In this chapter we continue advancing with the plot presented in the other chapters, which I have to say I loved, but not as much as the first one, so I'll talk

Obviously, my respect goes to Jorge Jiménez for his pencil work, but I won't focus too much on that for now, But if I may say a few words, I'd like to point out that his drawings are somewhat in the style of Japanese manga, which I'm not a big fan of, but I'm not going to say I love the muscles of the 90s either, just that Simplify the bodies a lot.

I loved the first page, where the perspective of a citizen of Batman is very well narrated, something that isn't done very often, explaining well that they are afraid of him but also have a lot of respect for him.With the lady saying that she doesn't name names unless she needs to, she also adds a new character, Huston Grey. A kid managed to record him falsifying evidence, and I have something to say about that. I don't really like where this is going because it feels like a typical mafia operation The attempt to conceal everything and commit illegal acts to eliminate Savage is a common tactic, where his fate is either to die or be exiled from Gotham only to return as an anti-hero, I'm not saying this is bad, but I feel like it's overdone.

Something I liked was how Bruce Wayne here feels much more human when visiting his son (Tim Drake) in the hospital, but arriving when his boyfriend appears (I'm new to comics so I'll say I don't know when Tim Drake got a boyfriend but I don't care if it's gay, boy or girl, I value them equally)I like their relationship where it's not just concern, but also doubting Bruce's actions, but something quick.

Here we continue with the part I loved, the conversation between Hugo Strang and Dr. Zeller. What I liked is that this doctor isn't a secondary character, but rather seems to be a character who seeks hope and fights for it, but the important thing is the dilemma she faces. Are madmen necessary? She raises the idea that she can cure all psychological problems, but of all the delusions that Hugo Strang mentions, she said something interesting. Could Van Gogh have never painted The Starry Night if such a thing existed? The easy answer is yes, he could have, and not just once, but a thousand times. But something that was left unanswered was: What if he could never have painted just one Starry Night, why was he never a madman?Something that got me thinking

Separately. Another flashback, this time of Damian, explores that he doesn't seek to study at the university, More than talking about this, it's the idea that Bruce always had of staying locked up, but now he has to overcome it, with Damian as a mirror (this is made clear by Alfred saying who never physically hit him but always psychologically)

Now in another scene, Bullock calls Batman with a funny new toy feature, which in the end turns out to be more of a friendly chat about how Savage is going crazy trying to capture him. It's already pretty obvious, but it was clarified again. I feel like this could have been avoided. Also, Enigma returned after being a boss, which I don't really like because it puts him back in the The character's status is QU because now, due to a mistake (the idea of collaboration is never ruled out) by Dr. Zeller in Arkham, everyone is going crazy, or so it seems.

We're already halfway through, and I won't say it's perfect, but I'm interested in how it's going and its very good spatial awareness, where Matt and Jimenez make a great team, and Tomeu Morrey... It colors very well.

While I'm allowed to criticize something else, I won't deny that the story feels like a list, which is why this review is so long. It's clear that Matt was trying to cram as much as possible into this chapter.This is noticeable because the story doesn't advance much, but a lot is explained, so it's clear they ran out of time. I won't deny that this lowers its score somewhat.

[Jerry Aguirre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This comic has multiple parts, all of them are given enough time to breathe. Great issue to move the plot forward, and A COOL NEW BATMAN SUIT.

Spoilers.
- through a recording by a kid, he plans on releasing it to the press that shows Batman and Robin from issue 2, and shows Vandall Savage PLANTING Batman evidence.

- it shows Bruce’s love and care for his sons: going to the hospital with flowers and trying to convince Damian there is more to life than being an assassin

- news reports show a helmet that stimulates brain sections, and de-stimulates it, controlling the individual and their emotions. But it’s shown to help people who might have mental issues.

- this was another of Batman’s rogue gallery, The Riddler. But just like Doc Croc, he wasn’t attacking. He wasn’t trying to start something crazy. He was seeking help. The helmet helps to de-stimulate his brain. So Batman, instead of attacking, got down on one knee and helped him again.

- The Riddler gives a riddle that Batman solves: The doctor is testing the Arkham asylum patients.

- It seems like Pennyworth pops out when Batman has to think out loud. When something is making him think.

So far, the rogues gallery are changing to just try to be better people. Batman here sounds sad that riddler returned to his life of crime, only to realize that not all is what it seems.

[Isaac Calef · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un poquito más flojo este número. Empezó de una manera muy interesante con el niño grabando lo que había pasado el número anterior con Batman y como Savage quiere inculparlo con la policía. De ahí creo que la historia se forzó en empalmar cosas que pasaron en otras series y hacer continuidad a cosas muy poco interesantes en comparación a lo que ya habíamos tenido. Por ejemplo el tema de Tim con su compañero en el hospital que no tengo idea quién es. O la trama de Damian que siempre es la misma.

Al igual creo que el encuentro contra el Riddle se siente anti climático y muy rápido, solo para ya entablar otra trama con Arkham.

Aún así sigue siendo disfrutable y divertido. Y la admiración de esta serie se seguirá sosteniendo por páginas como donde Bruce y su hijo están entrenando: Jorge Jiménez.

[AJ Easterday · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of family drama in my books, so I'm very intrigued by the beef between Bruce and Bernard. I haven't read a lot of comics with Tim and Bernard, so I didn't realize Bernard doesn't know Tim's secret. Now I'm wondering if this is going to lead to Tim telling him.

I also loved Damian's brief appearance in this issue. I love seeing Bruce try to be a supportive father. I would really like to see Damian attend college and try to balance that with being Robin. I think that could be really interesting. I also love that Bruce is encouraging him to study the arts and humanities. Now I want to see Damian as an English lit major or something. That would be hilarious. But in actuality I bet he studies pre-med. That's my prediction anyway. Hopefully we'll learn more soon!

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

After 3 issues this run has been picking-over the lore from the previous run (Savage as Commissioner, Arkham Tower, etc.) but without revealing a real new plot of it own yet. Almost like an interlude. It is well done and beautiful, but it will need something more to maintain the interest and be remembered. Let's see what comes next.

Also kind of strange that at the same time this run dismisses lore from other series. Like Damian wanting to become a doctor or his interest for drawing comics/manga during the sparing scene (all from the very good, and I would imagine sufficiently selling / known, Batman & Robin serie).

[kopano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying how each individual issue here is paced - it feels so episodic, like I’m “tuning into” something. What sucks, is how long it I have to wait for the “next episode” - THAT kills momentum, makes the overall series’ pacing feel slower.

Following this run month-by-month versus reading these 3 issues I’ve just read back-to-back, I’m kind of wishing I had the patience to wait for the arc to be volumised and read it then, but each issue is so good, that I can’t. Is that what a Catch-22 is?

[alejandro galvez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its ok.

Its pretty good. The first 10 pages were a head-scratcher. Why does Tim continue to look like a 14 year old? Why is Bernard (sorry Bee) mansplaining to Bruce Wayne about Tims injuries?! Tim is a grown man. Bernard knows Tim is Robin, so why is he surprised that he has a few bruises and bumps? Why is Bernard even here? Every page other than that, gels together. What are we doing here ? I pay to see Batman do Batman things.

[Jason Holtzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really well constructed issue with balance being the key. We see Bruce in many ways — father, hero, corporate leader — Tim and Dick, Harvey and Bullock, and new characters that keep the plot churning. There is a lot packed in here, but the issue never drags while feeling longer than it is.

All of this of course is supported by fantastic art and colors that feel incredibly kinetic. There are multiple different plots in play and the series feels like it can go just about anywhere!

[Abel Allwein · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5

I love the angles this fresh run of Batman is taking on mental health, relations to cops, and showing Bruce as a seasoned Batman, trying to be a good dad and how he conducts himself with all his wealth. Truly gripping and leaves me wanting more!

Also Stealth Suit?? More like Sex Suit! *cheeky side eye*

[Colin Post · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fraction and Jiménez are setting up a big, capacious story with this run. This is an expansive but specific Gotham, full of fleshed out people and places. The Batman as vigilante theme is well-tread, but it feels like these creators have something new and relevant to say. A militarized police force feels all too apt when ICE is patrolling Chicago.

[Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like alot of the ideas but I don’t love placing the set up for them all in ONE issue.
Feels like something you explore across the whole series.
This also feels like the antithesis of the promised every issue is its own story?! This issue doesn’t work if you haven’t read the first two and feels largely irrelevant if you don’t read on…?

2.5 (Jorge Jimenez art is amazing as always tho).

[Heath Fodor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Fraction's Batman so far!

I really love the art on this book. Vandal Savage as the Commissioner of Gotham City looks like it is in it's final days. The emphasis the book has on getting us immersed in Gotham again is very refreshing. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff. I loved everything, from Damian's sparring session, to Bruce in a board meeting, to the new "bat signal", to the bad guy being super bad. But my favorite thing of all was the Riddler completely overtaken by his obsession. That was something I've never seen before, and it was very effective.